CN112911957A

CN112911957A - Sleeve with integrated insert

Info

Publication number: CN112911957A
Application number: CN201980069512.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M.L.埃肯斯维勒
Original assignee: Nike Inc
Current assignee: Nike Inc
Priority date: 2018-11-05
Filing date: 2019-10-09
Publication date: 2021-06-04
Anticipated expiration: 2039-10-09
Also published as: EP3876773B1; US20200138137A1; EP3876773A1; CA3114207A1; US11638453B2; CN112911957B; WO2020096725A1

Abstract

Aspects herein relate to a sleeve having a first length in a retracted state and a second length in an extended state. The sleeve may have a third opening positioned between the first opening and the second opening of the cylindrical tube. A releasable fastener may be attached adjacent the third opening and may hold the sleeve in a retracted state when fastened and may allow the sleeve to move to an extended state when released. The insert may be affixed around a perimeter of the third opening. The insert may include a thumb receiving portion. The thumb receiving portion may have a thumb opening. The insert may remain inside the cylindrical tube when the sleeves are in the retracted state.

Description

Sleeve with integrated insert

Technical Field

Aspects herein relate to sleeves having integral inserts.

Background

Conventional sleeves, whether incorporated into upper body apparel or as a separate item, typically cover the wearer's arms and terminate in a single opening positioned adjacent the wearer's wrist. Conventional sleeves have a fixed length and cover a fixed amount of the wearer's arm, and therefore generally provide no protection to certain portions of the wearer's limb (e.g., hands, fingers, etc.) from environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, wind, etc.).

Drawings

Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a rear side view of a wearer wearing a sleeve in a retracted state with an integrated insert in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a back side view of a wearer wearing the sleeve of FIG. 1 in an extended state, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front side view of the wearer wearing the sleeve of FIG. 1 in the extended state of FIG. 2, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exterior side of a sleeve lying flat after two seams are separated in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 5 illustrates an interior side of the sleeve of fig. 4 lying flat after the two seams are separated, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 6 is an inside view of the sleeve of FIG. 4 after two seams have been re-joined, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an example method of manufacturing a sleeve with an integrated insert, according to aspects herein; and

fig. 8 illustrates a front view of an upper body garment having a pair of sleeves, each sleeve including a unitary insert, in accordance with aspects herein.

Detailed Description

The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms "step" and/or "block" may be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.

An end of the sleeve, an insert affixed to the sleeve adjacent the third opening, and a releasable fastener configured to close the third opening and retain the insert inside the sleeve. The sleeves thus described have a first length when the releasable fastener is fastened and the insert is held inside the sleeve, and also have a second length when the releasable fastener is unfastened. Thus, when the releasable fastener is tightened and the insert is held inside the sleeve, the sleeve may cover the same portion of the wearer's arm as a typical sleeve, but when the releasable fastener is loosened, then the sleeve may expand to cover more of the wearer's arm.

Positional terms used herein to describe the sleeves, such as "front", "back", "upper", "proximal", "distal", "front", "rear", "lower", "bottom", "inner", "outer", and the like, shall be given their customary meaning with respect to appropriately sized sleeves as intended and as shown and described herein as being worn by a wearer standing in an anatomical location. With the term "anatomical position," the arms of the wearer are positioned on the sides of the wearer with the palms of the wearer facing forward. In this position, the wearer's thumb will extend laterally. The terms "distal" and "proximal" when used with respect to the ends of the sleeves may refer to the terminal edges of the sleeves. These terms may also refer to a portion of the sleeve that is within about 10 centimeters of the terminal edge of the sleeve. The term "about" when used in reference to a measurement means within ± 10% of the specified value. The term "adjacent" when used with respect to a location means within ± 10 centimeters of the specified location. Terms such as "attached," "secured," "affixed," and the like may refer to elements that are releasably attached to one another using, for example, a snap system, a slider system, a hook and loop closure system, a releasable adhesive, a button, a hook, and the like. These terms may also refer to elements that are permanently attached to one another using, for example, stitching, adhesives, welding, and the like. The terms "axial" and "longitudinal" are used interchangeably herein and refer to the direction in which a sleeve extends from a proximal end of the sleeve to a distal end of the sleeve.

The term "mesh" or "net material" as used herein may refer to a textile having a plurality of closely spaced apertures. Aspects herein contemplate that the mesh material may be formed from a loosely knitted or woven textile, or the mesh material may be formed by perforating a textile in a post-weaving or post-knitting step to form the apertures. As used herein, the term "first sleeve condition" refers to a sleeve when the releasable fastener is fastened such that the insert is contained within the sleeve, and the sleeve has a first length. As used herein, the term "second sleeve condition" refers to a sleeve when the releasable fastener is loosened such that the insert is not contained within the sleeve, and the sleeve has a second length. The term "releasable fastener" as used herein refers to a fastener system that can be repeatedly coupled and uncoupled to respectively secure or disengage components to one another. Example releasable fasteners may include buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, slider systems including zippers, and the like. In line with this, the term "complementary" when describing components of a releasable fastener system refers to components having structures that mechanically engage one another.

As used herein, the term "elastic," when describing a yarn, generally refers to a type of yarn that can provide a maximum stretch of greater than about 200% under load before returning to its unstretched state when the load is removed, with some elastic yarns providing a maximum stretch of about 400%. Examples of types of elastic yarns include lycra

Elastic fibers, spandex, rubber, and the like.

Turning now to fig. 1-3, a wearer 100 is shown wearing sleeves 110 in a first sleeve state 112 (fig. 1) and a second sleeve state 114 (fig. 2 and 3). Sleeve 110 includes a distal end 170 and a proximal end 172 opposite distal end 170, a first opening 116 at distal end 170, and a second opening (not shown) at proximal end 172. In some aspects, the proximal ends 172 of the sleeves 110 may be attached to an upper body garment (e.g., a shirt, jacket, etc.). In other aspects, the sleeves 110 may be integrally formed with the upper body garment. In other aspects, the sleeves 110 are separate articles that are worn separately by the wearer 100. The illustrated aspect depicts the sleeve 110 as being tubular and having a cylindrical wall extending longitudinally between a proximal end 172 and a distal end 170. In other aspects, the sleeve 110 can have a wall of another geometry (e.g., polygonal, irregular, etc.) extending longitudinally between the proximal end 172 and the distal end 170.

The sleeve 110 also includes a third opening 118 positioned adjacent the distal end 170. The third opening 118 may have any suitable size and shape. The third opening 118 may be positioned about 2 centimeters to about 16 centimeters from the distal end 170 of the sleeve 110, as shown in fig. 2 and 3. The longitudinal length of the sleeve 110 may vary due to the third opening 118. That is, when the third opening 118 is substantially closed (as shown in FIG. 1), the sleeves have a first length 176. When the third opening 118 is opened and the distal end 170 of the sleeve 110 is pulled distally (as shown in fig. 2 and 3), the sleeve has a second length 178 that is greater than the first length 176.

For example, the sleeves 110 in the first sleeve state 112 may extend from the proximal end 172 to the distal end 170 and terminate around the wrist of the wearer 100. However, the sleeve 110 in the second sleeve state 114 may be at a point away from the wrist of the wearer 100. The third opening 118 allows a portion 120 of the distal end 170 of the sleeve 110 to extend forward and cover a portion of a limb (e.g., hand, finger) of the wearer 100 away from his wrist. In some aspects, the portion 120 is hinged forward relative to a fixed anchor 180 located on the medial side of the sleeve 110. In these aspects, only a portion of the distal end 170 of the sleeve 110 increases in length as measured from the proximal end 172. For example, the length of the sleeve 110 along the inside of the sleeve 110 may not change between the first sleeve state 112 and the second sleeve state 114, while the length of the sleeve 110 along the outside of the sleeve 110 may change between the states. The hinge around the anchor point 180 may maintain the integrity of the sleeve 110. The articulation about the anchor 180 may also make it easier for the distal end 170 to be recoupled to the sleeve 110, as compared to a configuration in which the distal end 170 is completely detached from the sleeve 110 (whether completely separate or connected only by the insert 122). Positioning the anchor 180 on the interior side may allow for more expansion on the exterior side of the sleeve 110, which may be advantageous due to the position of the wearer's thumb (e.g., additional expansion adjacent the wearer's thumb may allow the wearer to more easily extend their thumb through the thumb portion).

An insert 122 may be affixed to the sleeve 110 to prevent, limit, or restrict communication through the third opening 118. Accordingly, the insert 122 may also provide thermal or other protection from the external environment when the sleeves 110 are in the second sleeve state 114. The insert 122 may include a fabric panel that is attached to the sleeve 110. In other aspects, the insert 122 may be integrally formed with the sleeve 110. In some aspects, the insert 122 may be attached to the sleeve 110 around the perimeter of the third opening 118. For example, the insert 122 may be affixed to an inner surface of the cylindrical wall of the sleeve 110 adjacent to the third opening 118. The insert 122 may include a thumb opening 124 that allows the thumb of the wearer 100 to extend from the interior cavity of the sleeve 110 to an exterior point. In some aspects, the insert 122 includes a thumb channel 126, and the thumb of the wearer 100 may extend through the thumb channel 126. The thumb opening 124 may be located at a distal end of the thumb channel 126. The thumb channel 126 may cover a portion of the thumb of the wearer 100, but leave a distal portion thereof exposed, thereby providing additional coverage without completely covering the thumb. This configuration may be advantageous when the wearer 100 is performing tasks that require dexterity and their feel/touch is important. In some aspects, the thumb passage 126 may include a cylindrical sheath. The cylindrical sheath may have a frusto-conical shape. In other aspects, the insert 122 can have a thumb channel 126 that completely covers the thumb of the wearer 100. Such a configuration may be advantageous when protection from the external environment is important. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the scope herein.

The third opening 118 may be held in a closed position by a releasable fastener 128. The releasable fastener 128 may be spaced a first distance from the distal end 170 of the sleeve 110. In the illustrated aspect, the releasable fastener 128 comprises a zipper system having a first zipper strip and a second zipper strip fastened to the sleeve 110 around the perimeter of the third opening 118. Thus, the illustrated aspect of the sleeve 110 is in a first sleeve state 112 when the zipper is closed and a second sleeve state 114 when the zipper is open. In other aspects, other types of releasable fasteners may be used even if such releasable fasteners do not completely seal the third opening 118. For example, buttons may be attached to the sleeves 110 on one side of the third opening 118, and rings or buttonholes may be positioned on the sleeves 110 on the opposite side of the third opening 118. In this example, the sleeves 110 may be in the first sleeve state 112 when a button is received through a loop or buttonhole even if the third opening 118 is not fully closed. This example shows that the releasable fastener 128 can provide more than one function. That is, when fastened, the releasable fastener 128 may constrain the length of the sleeve 110 by preventing the portion 120 from articulating distally. In some aspects, the releasable fastener 128 may also seal the insert 122 within the interior cavity of the sleeve 110 when fastened.

The sleeves 110 and inserts 122 may be constructed from any suitable material. In some aspects, the sleeves 110 and the inserts 122 are made of the same material. In other aspects, the sleeves 110 are made of a different material than the insert 122. For example, the sleeves 110 may be constructed of a panel of woven material and the inserts 122 may be constructed of a mesh material. One or both of the sleeves 110 and the inserts 122 may be made of an elastic material. Likewise, one or both of the sleeves 110 and the inserts 122 may be constructed of a woven or knitted material.

Turning now to fig. 4-6, one manner of construction of the sleeves 110 will be described. Fig. 4 illustrates the outside of the unassembled sleeve 110A laid flat, but with the releasable fastener 128 attached as shown. Figure 5 illustrates the inside of the unassembled sleeve 110A. In this regard, the sleeves 110 are comprised of a first panel 130, a portion 120, an insert 122, and a releasable fastener 128. The first panel 130 includes a first edge 132, and the first edge 132 may be joined to a second edge 134 at a seam (not shown) when the sleeve 110 is assembled. The first panel 130 also includes an alternating distal edge comprised of a first distal edge 136 and a second distal edge 138. The staggered distal edges may include a first distal edge 136 positioned distal to a second distal edge 138 such that the two distal edges are staggered in the axial direction of the sleeve 110. As discussed below, the staggered distal edges may allow the third opening 118 to be formed in a direction that is not perpendicular to the axial direction of the sleeve 110. In some aspects, the third opening 118 may be formed by making a cut in the sleeve 110 at a desired location. In other aspects, the third opening 118 can be formed by attaching separate panels together via releasable fasteners (e.g., the first panel and the second panel are connected with opposing zipper strips, with the panels also joined at seams to form sleeves). In some aspects, the cut is made from the staggered distal edges proximally up to the first panel 130 in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve 110. The seam 140 may close the incision and provide added strength to the connection between the sleeve 110 and the components adjacent thereto.

One or both of the first distal edge 136 and the second distal edge 138 may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sleeve 110. In other aspects, such as the illustrated aspect, the first distal edge 136 and/or the second distal edge 138 may not extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sleeve 110. In these aspects, when the sleeve 110 is in the first sleeve state 112, edges of the third opening 118 may be positioned adjacent to each other such that the third opening 118 may resemble a line extending through a portion of the sleeve 110. In these aspects, such a line may extend in a spiral fashion around a portion of the sleeve, with one end of the line distal from the other end of the line, as shown in fig. 6. Whether perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sleeve 110 or not, the direction in which the thread extends controls the amount the distal end 170 can articulate and the direction in which the distal end 170 can articulate. For example, extending the wire in a helical direction, as shown in fig. 6, may allow the distal end 170 to articulate in a manner that more closely conforms to the anatomy of a typical wearer (e.g., the shape of a wearer's limb).

The releasable fastener 128 shown in the illustrated aspect comprises a zipper system having a first zipper strip 142, a second zipper strip 144, and a slider having a pull tab 146. The first fastener strip 142 can be joined to the second fastener strip 144 at a first stop 148 and a second stop (not shown). The first stop 148 and the second stop can be at opposite ends of the fastener strips 142 and 144. In other aspects, the first fastener strip 142 may not be joined to the second fastener strip 144 at the second stop. In these aspects, each of the first and second fastener strips 142, 144 has their own independent second stop. As shown in fig. 6, the first fastener strip 142 can be partially attached to the first distal edge 136 and partially attached to the second distal edge 138. In the aspect shown in fig. 6, both the first stop 148 and the second stop can be adjacent the seam 140 but longitudinally offset from each other such that the first stop 148 is adjacent the second stop (which is covered but would be immediately adjacent the pull tab 146). In this way, the third opening 118 may be closed with a zipper system, and the zipper system may extend around a portion of the sleeve 110 in a spiral manner as described above.

Portion 120 may include a proximal edge 150, a first side edge 152, a second side edge 154, and a distal edge 156. The second fastener strip 144 can be attached to the proximal edge 150 of the portion 120. A portion of the first side edge 152 can be joined to the first panel 130 at the seam 140. In some aspects, as shown in fig. 6, the seam 140 may extend distally up the sleeve 110 and connect the remainder of the first side edge 152 to the second side edge 154. The distal edge 156 may be a distal end 170 of the sleeve 110. In some aspects, the distal end 170 of the portion 120 may be folded back and secured to the interior of the sleeve 110 (i.e., the distal end 170 may be hemmed). In these aspects, the fold defines the distal edge 156 of the portion 120.

The insert 122 may be attached to a zipper system. For example, the insert 122 can comprise a proximal edge 182 that is attached to the first fastener strip 142 and a distal edge 184 that is attached to the second fastener strip 144. Insert 122 may have an insert width (shown more clearly in fig. 2 and 3) extending between a proximal edge 182 and a distal edge 184. In an exemplary aspect, the entire length of each of the proximal edge 182 and the distal edge 184 of the insert 122 can be affixed to a respective zipper strip. In some aspects, the length of the proximal edge 182 may be different than the length of the distal edge 184 of the insert 122, while in other aspects, the length is the same. When the zipper is open, the insert 122 may provide coverage of the wearer's limb while allowing the first zipper strip 142 to be pulled away from the second zipper strip 144, as opposed to the third opening 118 without the insert 122. When the sleeves 110 are in the second sleeve state 114, the thumb opening 124 may be positioned off-center with respect to the length of the insert 122 such that it is located laterally of the insert 122. In other aspects, the insert 122 may be affixed to the inner surface 158 of the sleeve 110. For example, the insert 122 may be affixed to the inner surface 158 adjacent the first and second

distal edges

136, 138 of the first panel 130 and the proximal edge 150 of the portion 120.

In use, the wearer 100 may pass a limb through the sleeve 110. The proximal end 172 of the sleeve 110 may be positioned adjacent to the shoulder of the wearer 100 when the sleeve 110 is in an as-worn position. When the sleeves 110 are in the as-worn position and the sleeves 110 are in the first sleeve state 112 (see fig. 1), the distal ends 170 of the sleeves 110 may be positioned in a first position adjacent to a wrist of the wearer 100. If more coverage of the limb is desired, the wearer 100 may loosen the releasable fastener 128 and pull the distal end 170 of the sleeve 110 distally to cover a portion of the limb away from the first position. In some aspects, the wearer 100 may extend their thumb through the thumb channel 126 of the insert 122 and out the thumb opening 124. To return the sleeves from the second sleeve state 114 (see fig. 2) to the first sleeve state 112 (see fig. 1), the wearer may remove their thumb from the thumb channel 126, position the insert 122 inside the sleeve 110, and fasten the releasable fastener 128.

Figure 7 illustrates another aspect of a method 200 of manufacturing a sleeve with an integral insert. Method 200 may include the step of providing a cylindrical tube having a first opening at a proximal end and a second opening at a distal end, as shown in block 202. The distal end may be opposite the proximal end. The method 200 may further include the step of forming a third opening in the cylindrical tube between the distal end and the proximal end, as shown in block 204. The third opening may have a perimeter. The method 200 can include the step of affixing an insert to the cylindrical tube about the perimeter of the third opening, as shown in block 206. Method 200 can also include the step of affixing a releasable fastener to the cylindrical tube adjacent the third opening, as shown in block 208. The sleeves may have a first length when the sleeves are in an extended state. The sleeves may have a second length when the sleeves are in the retracted state. The first length may be longer than the second length.

In some aspects, the method 200 may include the step of forming a thumb opening in the insert, as shown in block 210. In other aspects, method 200 may include the step of attaching the proximal end of the cylindrical tube to a torso portion of an article of apparel, as shown in block 212. The garment may include a jacket.

As described above, the sleeves 110 may be incorporated into an upper torso garment. One aspect of the upper torso garment 300 is shown in fig. 8. The upper torso garment 300 includes a torso portion 302, the torso portion 302 including front and rear aspects defining a neck opening 304, a waist opening 306, a first sleeve opening 308, and a second sleeve opening 310. The upper torso garment 300 also includes a first sleeve 312 and a second sleeve 314. First sleeve 312 may be coupled to torso portion 302 at first sleeve opening 308. Second sleeve 314 may be coupled to torso portion 302 at second sleeve opening 310. In other aspects, the first sleeve 312 and the second sleeve 314 may be integrally formed with the torso portion 302.

Each of the first sleeve 312 and the second sleeve 314 may include each of the features of the sleeve 110 described above with reference to fig. 1-6. Accordingly, both the first sleeve 312 and the second sleeve 314 may include an insert 122 affixed around the perimeter of a third opening in the sleeves. Additionally, the first sleeve 312 and the second sleeve 314 may each include a releasable fastener 128, which releasable fastener 128 may hold the sleeves in a retracted state or may allow the sleeves to move to an extended state. For example, in the illustrated aspect, the first sleeve 312 is shown in a retracted state with the releasable fastener 128 fastened. Likewise, in the illustrated aspect, the second sleeve 314 is shown in an extended state with the releasable fastener 128 loosened and the insert 122 exposed.

The following clauses represent exemplary aspects of the concepts contemplated herein. Any of the following clauses may be combined in a number of dependent ways to depend on one or more other clauses. Further, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses expressly dependent on previous clauses) may be combined while remaining within the scope of the aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and not limitations.

Clause 1. an sleeve, comprising:

a cylindrical tube having a first opening at a proximal end and a second opening at a distal end, the distal end being opposite the proximal end, the cylindrical tube further comprising a third opening therethrough, the third opening being positioned adjacent the second opening;

an insert having one or more peripheral edges, each of the one or more peripheral edges coupled to the cylindrical tube adjacent to a periphery of the third opening; and

a releasable fastener coupled to the perimeter adjacent the third opening.

Clause 2. the sleeve of clause 1, wherein the cylindrical tube is constructed from a knitted or woven fabric.

Clause 3. the sleeve of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more peripheral edges of the insert are affixed to a peripheral edge of the third opening.

Clause 4. the sleeve of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the insert includes a cylindrical sheath configured to receive a thumb.

Clause 5. the sleeve of clause 4, wherein the cylindrical sheath includes an aperture at a distal end of the cylindrical sheath.

Clause 6. the sleeve of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the insert is affixed to an inner surface of the cylindrical tube adjacent to the perimeter of the third opening.

Clause 7. the sleeve of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the insert is integrally formed with the cylindrical tube.

Clause 8. the sleeve of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the insert is exposed through the third opening when the releasable fastener is loosened.

Clause 9. the sleeve of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the insert is stowed within the sleeve when the releasable fastener is fastened.

Clause 10. an extendable sleeve, comprising:

a cylindrical tube having a first opening at a proximal end, a second opening at a distal end, the distal end being opposite the proximal end, and a third opening through the cylindrical tube between the distal end and the proximal end;

an insert affixed to the cylindrical tube adjacent a perimeter of the third opening; and

a releasable fastener coupled to the sleeve adjacent the third opening,

wherein when the releasable fastener is released, the sleeves are in an extended state and

wherein the sleeves are in a retracted state when the releasable fastener is tightened.

Clause 11. the sleeve of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the releasable fastener comprises a zipper system.

Clause 12. the sleeve of clause 11, wherein the zipper system comprises a first zipper strip and a second zipper strip, wherein the first zipper strip is affixed to the cylindrical tube about a first portion of the perimeter of the third opening, and wherein the second zipper strip is affixed to the cylindrical tube about a second portion of the perimeter of the third opening.

Clause 13. the sleeve of any of clauses 11-12, wherein the zipper system extends around a portion of the cylindrical tube in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the cylindrical tube when the sleeve is in the retracted state.

Clause 14. the sleeve of any of clauses 11-13, wherein the zipper system is positioned adjacent a wearer's wrist when the sleeve is in the retracted state in an as-worn configuration.

Clause 15. the sleeve of any one of clauses 11-14, wherein the zipper is spaced a first distance from the distal end of the cylindrical tube.

Clause 16. the sleeve of any one of clauses 11-15, wherein the distal end of the cylindrical tube may be pulled in an axial direction of the cylindrical tube to move the sleeve to the extended state after the zipper has been released.

Clause 17. the sleeve of any one of clauses 10-16, wherein a portion of the wearer's hand is covered by the distal end of the cylindrical tube when the sleeve is in the extended state in the as-worn configuration.

Clause 18. the sleeve of any of clauses 10-17, wherein the insert is exposed when the sleeve is in the extended state.

Clause 19. a method of manufacturing a sleeve having an integral insert, the method comprising:

providing a cylindrical tube having a first opening at a proximal end and a second opening at a distal end, the distal end being opposite the proximal end;

forming a third opening through the cylindrical tube between the distal end and the proximal end, the third opening having a perimeter;

affixing an insert to the cylindrical tube around the perimeter of the third opening; and

affixing a releasable fastener to the cylindrical tube adjacent the third opening, wherein the sleeves have a first length when the sleeves are in an extended state, wherein the sleeves have a second length when the sleeves are in a retracted state, wherein the first length is longer than the second length.

Clause 20. the method of manufacturing a sleeve having a one-piece insert of clause 19, further comprising forming a thumb opening in the insert.

Clause 21. the method of making an sleeve with an integral insert of any of clauses 19-20, further comprising affixing the proximal end of the cylindrical tube to a torso portion of an article of apparel.

Clause 22. the method of manufacturing a sleeve with an integral insert of any of clauses 19-21, wherein the article of apparel comprises a jacket.

Clause 23. an upper torso garment, comprising:

a torso portion having a front side and a rear side defining a neck opening, a waist opening, a first sleeve opening, and a second sleeve opening;

a sleeve extending from the first sleeve opening, the sleeve including a tube extending distally from the torso portion to a distal end, the sleeve further including a distal opening at the distal end and a lateral opening positioned adjacent the distal end, wherein the lateral opening is open in a first state of the sleeve and the lateral opening is closed in a second state of the sleeve;

an insert having a first portion including a panel affixed to a perimeter of the transverse opening and a second portion having a cylindrical sheath configured to receive a thumb shape; and

a releasable fastener coupled to the sleeve adjacent the lateral opening, wherein the releasable fastener is loosened in the first state of the sleeve and the releasable fastener is fastened in the second state of the sleeve.

Clause 24. the upper torso garment of clause 23, wherein the cylindrical sleeve comprises an aperture at a distal end of the cylindrical sheath.

Clause 25. the upper torso garment of any of clauses 23-24, wherein the cylindrical sheath has a frustoconical shape.

Aspects of the present disclosure have been described as illustrative and not restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope thereof. Alternative means of accomplishing the above improvements may be developed by skilled artisans without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the figures need be performed in the particular order described.

Claims

1. A sleeve, comprising: a cylindrical tube having a first opening at a proximal end and a second opening at a distal end, the distal end being opposite the proximal end, the cylindrical tube further comprising a third opening therethrough, the third opening being positioned adjacent the second opening; an insert having one or more peripheral edges, each of the one or more peripheral edges coupled to the cylindrical tube adjacent to a periphery of the third opening; and a releasable fastener coupled to the perimeter adjacent the third opening.

2. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical tube is comprised of a knit fabric or a woven fabric.

3. The sleeve of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the one or more peripheral edges of the insert are affixed to a peripheral edge of the third opening.

4. The sleeve of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the insert includes a cylindrical sheath configured to receive a thumb.

5. The sleeve of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the cylindrical sheath includes an aperture at a distal end of the cylindrical sheath.

6. The sleeve of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the insert is affixed to an inner surface of the cylindrical tube adjacent the perimeter of the third opening.

7. The sleeve of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the insert is integrally formed with the cylindrical tube.

8. The sleeve of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the insert is exposed through the third opening when the releasable fastener is loosened.

9. The sleeve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the insert is stowed within the sleeve when the releasable fastener is fastened.

10. An extensible sleeve comprising: a cylindrical tube having a first opening at a proximal end, a second opening at a distal end, the distal end being opposite the proximal end, and a third opening through the cylindrical tube between the distal end and the proximal end; an insert affixed to the cylindrical tube around a perimeter of the third opening; and a releasable fastener coupled to the cylindrical tube adjacent the third opening, wherein the extendable sleeve is in an extended state when the releasable fastener is loosened, and wherein the extendable sleeve is in a retracted state when the releasable fastener is tightened.

11. The extendable sleeve of claim 10, wherein the releasable fastener comprises a zipper system.

12. The extendable sleeve of any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the zipper system comprises a first zipper strip and a second zipper strip, wherein the first zipper strip is affixed to the cylindrical tube about a first portion of the perimeter of the third opening, and wherein the second zipper strip is affixed to the cylindrical tube about a second portion of the perimeter of the third opening.

13. The extensible sleeve of any one of claims 10-12, wherein the zipper system extends around a portion of the cylindrical tube in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the cylindrical tube when the extensible sleeve is in the retracted state.

14. The extensible sleeve of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the zipper system is positioned adjacent a wearer's wrist when the extensible sleeve is in the retracted state in an as-worn configuration.

15. The extendable sleeve of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the zipper system is spaced a first distance from the distal end of the cylindrical tube.

16. The extendable sleeve of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the distal end of the cylindrical tube may be pulled in an axial direction of the cylindrical tube to move the extendable sleeve to the extended state after the zipper system has been unfastened.

17. The extensible sleeve of any one of claims 10-16, wherein a portion of a hand of a wearer is covered by the distal end of the cylindrical tube when the extensible sleeve is in the extended state in an as-worn configuration.

18. A method of manufacturing a sleeve having an integral insert, the method comprising: forming a third opening in a cylindrical tube having a first opening at a proximal end and a second opening at a distal end, the distal end being opposite the proximal end, wherein the third opening is formed between the distal end and the proximal end, and wherein the third opening has a perimeter; affixing an insert to the cylindrical tube around the perimeter of the third opening; and attaching a releasable fastener to the cylindrical tube adjacent the third opening, wherein the sleeves have a first length when the sleeves are in the extended state, wherein the sleeves have a second length when the sleeves are in the retracted state, and wherein the first length is longer than the second length.

19. The method of manufacturing a sleeve with an integral insert of claim 18, further comprising forming a thumb opening in the insert.

20. The method of making sleeves with integral inserts of any of claims 18-19, further comprising affixing the proximal end of the cylindrical tube to a torso portion of an article of apparel.